We need to play our best from here: Dhoni

May 02, 2010 13:18 IST

Having qualified for the second round of the event after the convincing win over Afghanistan in their opening Twenty20 World Cup match, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said his side will have to dig out their best from here on to have a go at the title.

Dhoni expressed happiness over his side's seven-wicket victory over the debutants and hoped India's performance would get better and better as the tournament rolls on.

"I am happy with the way we bowled and restricted them though they had good partnership in the middle of the innings. I am also happy with the way we chased down those runs. We hope to get better and better as the tournament goes," he said after the match.

"With today's win, we have qualified for the Super Eight stage. That is when we need to play at our best because each of the teams have the potential to win the title," Dhoni said.

The India skipper attributed the win to the team's dressing room atmosphere.

"We jell well as a team and the dressing room atmosphere is wonderful. We play and win as happy family. If we continue in the same spirit, we should be able to do well in this event," Dhoni insisted.

He waxed eloquent about Ashish Nehra and Murali Vijay, who marked his T20 international debut with a breezy 48.

"Ashish is an experienced bowler and we know what he is capable of doing with the new ball. As a team we were confident that he would deliver the goods if he's fit.

"In the same breath I could say Murali Vijay is an asset to the team. We saw during the IPL what he can do with the bat. He is a batsman who looks quiet but is capable of playing big shots when the situation warrants. Apart from his batting, he is good in the outfield. He covers a lot of ground, which is good for the team," said Dhoni.

Asked about Yuvraj Singh's return to form, Dhoni said, "You can't discuss the form of a batsman in this format of the game as they play in different situations which demand different performance.

"The talent that he has marks him as one of the most dangerous players in international cricket. He is one of the most destructive batsmen in the T20 format," Dhoni added.

Dhoni also commended Afghanistan for their spirited show. "It was good to see the way they (Afghanistan) played. They showed passion. Scoring 115 after losing three early wickets is a good performance. It shows that they can do better with experience and exposure," he said.

Despite being mauled by India, Afghanistan captain Nowroz Mangal was satisfied with his team's performance.

"It was a honour to hear our national anthem at the venue and play against one of the best teams in the world. Playing against India was really great. It was good experience for all the boys. We bowled and fielded well," said Nowroz.

"Had we not lost wickets after the 68 run partnership, we could have possibly made a score over 140," he added.